Cemetery vase



July 17, 1956 w. v. RAsMussl-:N 2,754,625

CEMETERY VASE Filed Dec. 2l, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Srmentor Gttomegs July 17, 1956 w. v. RAsMUssEN CEMETERY VASE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 21, 1951 w mJn/ un INVENTOR BY M, MMJ/ ATTORNEYS United States Patent O CEMETERY VASE Walter V. Rasmussen, Racine, Wis.

Application December 21, 1951, Serial No. 262,699

2 Claims. (Cl. 47-41) This invention relates to improvements in cemetery vases and to a method for making the same.

The invention comprises a telescopically related vase and ground receptacle having novel co-operative interengageable structure whereby the vase may be adjustably supported within the receptacle at selected heights respecting ground level. In this manner a range of flower display choices may be had, and the vase may be made to display long, medium or short stemmed flowers to advantage.

The vase and receptacle are respectively provided with inter-engageable lugs and grooves or channels whereby the vase may be supported selectively in any one of a plurality of telescopic positions respecting the receptacle. The receptacle is provided with vertical channels and with horizontal channels communicating with the vertical channels. The channels are open inwardly but the walls thereof are formed outwardly on the receptacle whereby to act as shoulders engaging with the earth to anchor and prevent withdrawal of the receptacle from the ground. The vase is provided with lugs which ride in the receptacle channels to support the vase at the selected heighth in the receptacle depending on the horizontal channel engaged.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the receptacle is provided with a novel top cap having a rim including a horizontal groove with peripherally spaced notches which are offset from the vertical channels in the receptacle. Accordingly the vase may not be withdrawn from the receptacle without first rotating it in the top horizontal groove to align the vase lugs with the rirn notches. The rim is further provided with a depending skirt which cooperates with the lower shoulder of the top horizontal groove to closely confine the vase lugs in the top groove, the spacing of the skirt from the shoulder being only slightly more than the height of the vase lugs. In this manner the vase is supported in upright position in the top horizontal channel secure from the effect of wind or accidental dislodgment and will hold the owers in its top position without being subject to tipping.

The invention further comprises means for the inversion of the vase when not in use so as to fit completely within the receptacle for winter storage purposes. The vase and receptacle are provided with inter-engageable elements when in stored position whereby to prevent accidental ejection of the vase from the receptacle. In this connection the Vase is desirably supported, in inverted position, out of close tting contact with the receptacle bottom to permit drainage of water, which might otherwise be trapped between the inverted vase and the outer wall of the receptacle and tend to float the vase out of the receptacle.

The invention also consists in the novel assembly of a vase including a steady connection of its ower receiving portion and a base, and in a method for assemblying the tlower receiver and base.

ICS

Other Objects and advantages of the invention will be more apparent to one skilled in the art upon an examination of the following disclosure.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vase and receptacle embodying the invention, the vase being shown in top telescopic position.

Fig. 2 is an axial cross section through a vase and receptacle embodying the invention, the vase being shown in bottom telescopic position, and the receptacle being shown embedded in the ground.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the vase separated from the receptacle.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary axial cross section showing the bottom portions of the receptacle and contained inverted vase.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the receptacle as it appears with tne vase inverted and contained completely within the receptacle for winter storage purposes.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view in spaced apart relationship of the parts of a modified form of the vase.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary but enlarged axial cross section Laken through an assembled vase of the type shown in Fig. S is a view partly in elevation and partly in axial cross section of a vase and receptacle with the vase in intermediate position.

Fig. 9 is a view partly in elevation and partly in axial cross section of a vase and receptacle with the vase in uppermost position.

Fig. l0 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view of the engagement of the vase with the channeled cap of the receptacle top.

The cemetery vase combination comprises a receptacle indicated generally as 16, which is adapted to be embedded in the ground as indicated in Fig. 2. The receptacle 10 is desirably made of sheet metal which is stamped or otherwise formed outwardly to provide vertical grooves or channels 11 which open inwardly. In the embodi ment illustrated, three such vertical grooves are peripheraily spaced about the side of the receptacle 10. The receptacle is also formed to provide a bottom horizontal groove l2, a top horizontal groove 14 and an intermediate horizontal groove 13. The horizontal grooves intersect and communicate with the vertical grooves 11. As best shown in Fig. 2 the outwardly formed walls of the horizontal grooves act as shoulders to engage the earth and anchor the receptacle against ejection from the earth, as well as to make theft of the receptacles more difficult.

The bottom of the receptacle 10 is closed by a bottom cap 17 having a peripheral flange 18 fitting the outwardly formed walls of the bottom groove 12. A series of interlocking peripherally spaced dimples 19 may be provided to secure the bottom cap 17 to the receptacle 10.

The top of the receptacle is provided with an open cap or rim 2b which has a peripheral downwardly extending ange 21 fitting the outwardly formed walls of the top receptacle groove 14. The top cap 20 and receptacle are likewise provided with peripherally spaced dimples 22 which interlock the top cap to the receptacle. The top cap or rim 2t) comprises an annular top surface 23 and an inner downwardly projecting skirt 24 which parallels outer flange 21 and is radially spaced therefrom to constitute the top rim and annular channel.

In order to provide for drainage of water which would otherwise accumulate in the receptacle the bottom cap 17 is provided with a series of holes 27 disposed in an arcuate pattern. The bottom 17 may also be provided with an upwardly extending boss 28 centrally of the holes 27. The boss' provides a base upon which the bottom of the vase 29 rests when the vase is in fully telescoped upright position within the receptacle as shown in Fig. 2.

Vase 29 is adapted to be telescopically receivable within the receptacle and may be made in a single piece, although for purposes of exemplilication a three piece sectional vase having sections 36, 31 and 32 mutually joined at 33 and 34 is illustrated in Figs. 1-5. A two piece vase comprising a ilower receptor 50 and base 53 is illustrated in Figs. 6-9. The vase of Figs. 1-5 is provided with a supporting base indicated generally as 35. Base 35 may comprise an upwardly convex boss 37 complementary to a boss 38 on the vase. Boss 37, in combination with the generally upright circular flange 26, provides a scat in which the vase 29 may be securely fastened. This specific structure is particularly suited where the vase is made of plastic material and is cemented or fused within the seat. The curved complementary bosses 37 and 33 provide a self reinforcing seat in conjunction with the closely fitting llange 26. Where the vase is made of metal this specific self-bracing structure is not required, the vase and base bottom being substantially planiform as shown in Figs. 6-9.

The base 35 further comprises an outer peripheral flange 36, which, in the plastic embodiment, may be connected to flange 26 by radial webs 25. Peripherally spaced about the flange 36 for alignment with the vertical grooves lll in receptacle 1t) are lugs 39 which are, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, of less height than the flange 35 whereby to seat securely in the top groove 14 of the receptacle as hereinafter described in more detail.

ln the plastic embodiment base 3S is also provided with a central support or knob 40 downwardly extending from the concave undersurface of boss 37 to substantially the same level as the base proper to support the vase upon boss 2S of the bottom receptacle cap. The support 40 also functions as a handle when the vase is inverted as in Fig. 5.

Vase 29 may be supported in the receptacle 10 at selected levels respecting the ground depending upon the selected interengagement of the vase lugs 39 with the horizontal grooves 12, 13 and 14 of the receptacle. The vase is moved from one level to the next by aligning the lugs 39 with the vertical channels 11 and lifting or lowering the vase until the lugs align with the desired horizontal channel.

As best shown in Fig. 3 the inner peripheral skirt 24 and top annular surface 23 of the top receptacle cap are notched or relieved at 41 at spaced intervals about the cap corresponding to the annular spacing of the lugs 39 on the vase base 35. Notches 41 are offset arcuately from the vertical channels l1 of the receptacle whereby initial registration of the vase in the receptacle top groove i4 through the notches will cause the lugs to receive direct support from the shoulder or ledge 42 which deiines the lower wall of groove 14, The vase may be thereafter rotated to bring the respective lugs 39 into alignment with the respective vertical receptacle grooves 1l whereby to permit telescopic action of the vase within the receptacle. When the lugs 39 are aligned with intermediate horizontal groove 13, the receptacle may again be rotated to turn the lugs within the groove whereupon the lugs will receive direct support from the bottom edges or walls of the intermediate groove to support the vase in intermediate position. In lowermost position the vase receives direct support from the central boss 28 of the receptacle bottom. In both bottom and intermediate position the rotation of the lugs into the grooves will bring the top edges of the lugs into locking relation with the top edge or wall of the grooves to prevent withdrawal of the vase. In top position the lugs are locked beneath skirt 24 for the same purpose. The offset disposition of the notches il respecting the vertical grooves 11 requires the vase 29 to be turned to withdraw the vase from the top groove, thus locating registry of the lugs with the top groove and assuring against accidental complete withdrawal of the vase from the receptacle when the vase is lifted from a lower to the top position in the receptacle.

It is to` be noted that skirt 24 is' provided with one or more stops 44 which depend into the path of lug rotation at one side of one or more vertical grooves 11 whereby the vase is denied access to the vertical groove in one direction of rotation, but may be admitted into the grooves in the other direction of rotation. In this manner if me vase is turned to engagement of its lug with the stop the possibility of the vase inadvertently telescoping is minimized and the secure seating of the vase is additionally provided for. The intermediate horizontal groove 13 may also be inwardly relieved as at i5 for the same purpose.

For winter storage or the like the vase may be inverted, as shown in Fig. 5, and telescoped within the receptacle, bottom side up. In inverted position the vase is supported from its top rim 47 upon the bottom cap 17 of the receptacle as shown in Fig. 4. Rim 4/ is provided with peripherally spaced raised portions or dimples 48 which elevate the intervening portion of the rim 47 slightly from the bottom of the can. By spacing the rim above the bottom of the receptacle, free flow of water along the receptacle floor is assured and the entrapment of water or the like between the inverted vase 29 and the outer wall of the receptacle 10 is prevented. All water collecting in the receptacle may then drain through the holes 27 in the receptacle bottom. By thus releasing the water, the likelehood of the vase oating upwardly and out of the receptacle is eliminated.

The vase may be additionally locxed against ejection from the receptacle by relieving the corners of the skirt 24 adjacent the notches 41 as indicated at 49. Accordingly, one corner of each lug 39 my be rotated to lie beneath an overhanging portion of the top 23 (see Fig. 5).

As best shown in Figs'. 6 and 7 a modified embodiment of the vase comprises a ower receptor 50 which may be made from a single piece of sheet metal having its top portion rolled at 51. Receptor 50 comprises a downwardly tapered wall terminating at its bottom in a free edge 52. In this embodiment of the invention the base 53 may be stamped or otherwise formed from metal to comprise an annular wall 54 which is desirably downwardly tapered complementary to the wall of the receptor 50. The vase further comprises a bottom 55, an annular ring 56 downwardly flanged at 57 and provided with outwardly projecting lugs 58 which are peripherally spaced about the base.

The junction of the base bottom 55 and the annular wall 54 constitutes an annular groove 61 which comprises a seat to receive the free edge 52 of the receptor 50.

The preferred method of fabricating the base is to position the receptor S0 in the base seat groove 61 along with a fusible metal ribbon. Upon application of heat the fusible metal melts and flows upwardly between the walls 52 and 54 while molten as shown at 62. Subsequently cooling hardens the metal to rigidly bond the receptor to the base.

As in the embodiment of Fig. 3 the outwardly projecting lugs SS have a height which is less than that of the flange 57. The radial extent of lugs 39 and S8 is approximately equal, however, to the spacing between the skirt 24 and the outer flange 21 of the cap 20 of receptacle 10. As best shown in Fig. l0 this specific structure assures that the base, in its uppermost position will be securely seated vertically between the groove ledge 42 and the bottom ledge 43 of the skirt 24. Moreover, the ange 57 of the base is proximate the skirt 24 while the lug iS proximate the inner surface of the outermost wall 63 of the receptacle cap so that the vase, in its uppermost position, will be seated rmly against accidental tipping. Accordingly my vase resists wind and other forces tending to dislodge the vase from the receptacle when fully exposed in top position.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it is clear that an improved cemetery vase has been provided which facilitates the positioning of the vase at a variety of levels respecting the earth. The vase is telescoped in a ground receptacle and is vertically reciprocable and horizontally rotatable to interlock the vase with the receptacle in several positions of adjustment. The vase is iirmly held in each position and may be inverted for storage within the receptacle. A novel form of vase has been provided wherein the ower receptor and base therefor are sturdily assembled. An improved method has likewise been provided for uniting the flower receptor with the base which simplifies production of the vase and results in an improved product.

I claim:

1. A cemetery vase comprising, in combination, a receptacle member adapted to be embedded in the earth and a vase member telescopically arranged within the receptacle, the receptacle being provided on its inner wall with peripherally spaced grooves and the vase being provided on its outer lower edge with a peripheral ange having peripherally spaced lugs to interlockingly engage with said grooves whereby the vase is guided for movement in the receptacle, said grooves comprising generally vertical grooves whereby the vase may be telescoped vertically of the receptacle and further comprising a plurality of generally horizontal grooves communicating with the vertical grooves at different levels whereby the lugs may 6 be selectively engaged thereby to support the vase at various levels respecting the ground.

2. A vase for use with a receptacle within which the vase may be telescopically removably inserted, said receptacle having a wall provided with channels opening inwardly, said vase comprising a flower receptor having a wall comprising an inverted truncated cone, and a base connected with the receptor, said base being provided with an annular flange having a diameter egual to the largest diameter of the truncated cone, the perimeter of said flange being provided with radial lugs which are thinner vertically than said annular ange, whereby said lugs are complementary with the channels in the receptacle wall and adapted for sliding interconnection with said channels, and said flange is complementary to the wall of the receptacle and adapted to slide thereon.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 180,277 Schmitt July 25, 1876 272,590 Shepard Feb. 20, 1883 319,080 Ellmaker June 2, 1885 502,595 George Aug. 1, 1893 1,713,675 Parish May 2l, 1929 1,907,775 Flock May 9, 1933 2,015,193 Reed Sept. 24, 1935 2,099,329 Comstock et al Nov. 16, 1937 2,102,924 Thomas Dec. 21, 1937 2,488,924 Meierjohan Nov. 22, 1949 

